The current concern about reducing dependence on fossil fuels and issues about environmental conditions have guided the survey for renewable energies around the world. The present work was focused in the study, design, construction and laboratorial tests of a small-size vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) of Lenz-type. The wind turbine was chosen based on criteria of operation in turbulent winds and mainly due to low-cost of fabrication and possibility to use it in farms. The study was carried out in the description of wind resources in a specific area from countryside of Brazil. The Lenz turbine was designed, drawn, built and later tested in a low-speed wind tunnel. Experimental data were gathered to describe the characteristics of the prototype and to guide for further modifications to improve wind power efficiency.